Hebrews 2 (WEB)

Apostles

Word Study· Steve Stanley
ἀπόστολος apóstolos ·Strong's G652

It was Jesus who first called the disciples “apostles” (Luke 6:13). This word is a compound noun formed from the preposition ἀπό (apo), “from, away” and the verb στέλλω (stello), “to send,” so the word means one who is sent. The predominant use of this word in the NT is in a special sense, for that group of honored believers, sent by Christ to preach the gospel and provide leadership for His people. There seem to be only a few apostles: the original twelve, Matthias (Acts 1:26) and Paul (Rom 1:1; 1 Cor 15:8). The requirement of an apostle is to have been with Jesus from the beginning of His ministry (Acts 1:21-23) through the resurrection (with Paul as the exception), and to be able to do the miracles of an apostle (2 Cor 12:12; Heb 2:4). After the ascension of Jesus and the beginning of the church, the apostles were seen as functioning in an apostolic office (Eph 4:11) needed in the beginning, foundational days of the church (Eph 2:20). Paul was the last true apostle appointed. Most importantly, the apostles were called and sent to influence people to influence others toward Christ.

Hebrews 2 (WEB)

1Therefore we ought to pay greater attention to the things that were heard, lest perhaps we drift away. 2For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, 3how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation—which at the first having been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard, 4God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will?

5For he didn’t subject the world to come, of which we speak, to angels. 6But one has somewhere testified, saying,

“What is man, that you think of him?

Or the son of man, that you care for him?

7You made him a little lower than the angels.

You crowned him with glory and honor.

8You have put all things in subjection under his feet.”

For in that he subjected all things to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we don’t yet see all things subjected to him. 9But we see him who has been made a little lower than the angels, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for everyone.

10For it became him, for whom are all things and through whom are all things, in bringing many children to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12saying,

“I will declare your name to my brothers.

Among the congregation I will sing your praise.”

13Again, “I will put my trust in him.” Again, “Behold, here I am with the children whom God has given me.” 14Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16For most certainly, he doesn’t give help to angels, but he gives help to the offspring of Abraham. 17Therefore he was obligated in all things to be made like his brothers, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

Apostles